Judith A. Borchert

On March 18, 2025, a beautiful, crisp spring morning, with John Denver playing softly in the background and her daughter, Leann, by her side, Judith Ann Borchert—affectionately known as Grandma Judy, her favorite title—took her last breath.

Born on May 3rd, 1941, to Ingvald and Hazel (Benzine) Jacobson in Rio, Wisconsin, Judy attended Rio High School and later received her L.P.N. license from MATC. She married Donald Borchert Sr. on May 26th, 1962, in Columbus, Wisconsin, where they raised their children: Donald Jr., Susan, and Leann. Judy lived a life of service and was incredibly proud of her nursing career. She worked at Saint Mary’s/Columbus Community Hospital for nearly 30 years, followed by another 23 years at Dean Health Plan. Judy was also immensely proud to be a breast cancer survivor for almost 18 years.

After retiring, Judy continued to dedicate her time to helping others by volunteering at Home Health United Hospice, Custom Canines Service Dog Academy, and supporting LiveMSFree.

Judy loved to travel with her friend Sandy, often to gambling destinations, and in her later years, she enjoyed sports betting with Kevin and The Boys. She also loved spending time outdoors, gardening, or working on projects with Ty, or simply enjoying a beautiful day. If you were lucky enough to receive one of her many crocheted blankets, you knew you held a special place in her heart. But, her greatest joy was being called Grandma Judy—those who knew and loved her cherished her as such.

Judy is survived by her son, Donald Jr. (Beth) Borchert; her daughters, Susan (Jeff) Henning and Leann (Kevin) Vick; grandchildren: Kaitlyn (David) Markle and their son Benjamin, Anthony “Ty” Vick, Christopher (Tori) Henning, and Carly Borchert; as well as her bonus grandson, Dalton (Kim) Miller and their children Quinn and Theo. Judy was also blessed with a very special niece and nephew, Thomas Jacobson, and Jean (Doug) Frea, along with their children: Amy, Jill (Erick) Fleener, and Joe (Jordan Hester). She also shared a special bond with her friend, Sandra Lewke, and was lovingly cared for by her life-saving dog, Alpha.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Donald Sr., her brother Robert, and sister-in-law Delores.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to At Home Again Assisting Living in Columbus, Prairie Ridge Hospital, and Generations Hospice for their love and compassion. A special thank you is also extended to Lucy Vick for always being there when we needed you.

In lieu of flowers, Judy would have appreciated donations made to two organizations close to her heart: LiveMSFree and Custom Canines Service Dog Academy.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 14th, 2025, at the Columbus Country Club from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.